Job Posting - Social Worker

Position: Social Worker / School Counselor – 6-8th Grade

The School 

Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School is joining a network of 10 Expeditionary Learning (EL) schools in New York City as the NYC network’s first charter school.  EL is a proven educational model being implemented in over 150 district, charter and independent schools across the country.  Expeditionary Learning balances both academic rigor and character development through experiential, project-based learning.  Launch is seeking a founding humanities teacher to join a highly motivated, curious, intelligent, and passionate staff of educators.

When

Launch will open its doors it 2012 in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn to our first 6th grade class.  Launch is offering a full year of professional development in the Expeditionary Learning model for select candidates prior to full-time employment in summer 2012. 

Position 

The founding Social Worker / School Counselor will work with teachers and other Launch staff to ensure the social and emotional well being of all students. The SW/SC will work directly with students, providing mandated services as required by student’s Individualized Education Plans, as well as support as needed to all Launch students. By working closely and collaboratively with Launch teachers, the SW/SC will have a strong awareness of the needs of Launch students and will take a student-centered approach to addressing these through a variety of counseling structures, behavior plans, student and parent workshops, and by working with the Dean of Culture to plan and support the small group advisory program (Crew). The SW/SC will also work closely with Launch families to include them in the process of meeting students’ individual needs, and will connect families with other forms of support available in the community.

Responsibilities

  • Provide individual and group counseling to at-risk students and those with IEPs 
  • Create and monitor behavior intervention plans with high needs students 
  • Report and support teachers in reporting issues of abuse and neglect to ACS 
  • Develop and modify Launch’s Crew Curriculum maps to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of Launch students based around short-term and long-term Learning Targets derived from Launch’s Habits of Heart and Mind 
  • Plan lessons for and lead a daily Crew of 12-15 students
  • Participates in grade level team meetings to discuss the needs of students and identify strategies to meet student needs
  • Develop relationships and consistently communicate with students’ families and help others do so
  • Provides behavior counseling and support for high-needs students such as observations, push-in support, parent conferences and home visits, and intervention groups 

 The ideal candidate will have: 

  • Minimum 2 years experience as a social worker or counselor in an urban school or similar urban experience preferred, but not required
  • Middle school experience preferred
  • LMSW or Masters in School Counseling required
  • Belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels
  • Desire to work in a teacher-driven, student-centered environment
  • Curiosity about the world and passion to engage kids in meaningful and authentic learning experiences
  • Ability to work well with colleagues and to work and plan collaboratively
  • Ability to communicate effectively and often with parents and families
  • Valid State Certification preferred but not required to apply
  • Belief in the Expeditionary Learning model and Launch values

 

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience

 

Interested candidates please send resume and cover letter to: teachlaunch@nycoutwardbound.org 

 

Launch is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group for reasons of race, color, creed, sex, age, culture, national origin, marital status, sexual preference or mental or physical disability.